Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

Mr. Thomas Easley Jr, 78, of Beckley WV, departed this life on February 2, 2025.

Thomas was the son of the late Thomas Easley Sr. and Virtie Easley. Thomas attended Ansted High School, Ansted, WV. He received Christ at an early age and was baptized in the old muddy river at Hawks Nest in Fayette County. See, during his lifetime there were no baptismal pools; you were dipped down in that “Cooling Water” at the river.

Thomas, upon leaving home, moved to Baltimore, MD with his sister, Carol Robertson and Family. While living there he received word that his oldest brother was ill, so he left MD and went to Tulsa, OK to see about him. While there he decided to continue his education and obtained his GED. During this time, he met and married his first wife, Verdell Williams Easley. To this union a son, Victor Easley, was born. Then he moved his wife, son, Victor and two stepchildren, Sharon McDaniel and Charles (Junior) McDaniel to Albuquerque, NM. There he gained employment on the U.S. Merchant Marine Ship, which took him to Mecca, in Saudi Arabia, where he took on the Muslim Faith.

Upon his return to the United States, he went to Brooklyn, NY, where he later met and married his second wife, Julia Smith Easley and to this union a son, Elharsh Easley, was born. Thomas spent many years in Brooklyn, NY, where he owned a Jewelry Store and Night Club. Also, while living in New York, Thomas played Semi-Pro Football for the Long Island Chiefs, Atlantic Coast Football League in 1973. The team only lasted one season.

After being stricken with a stroke and heart attack in Brooklyn, upon his recovery he moved back to Baltimore, MD where he lived with his sister, Carol Robertson and family until finding his own place. Thomas worked as a volunteer at John Hopkins Geriatric Center for Recreational Therapy while being employed at Kennedy Krueger Institute for Children as an Orderly/Aide.

Finally in 1994, he came to Beckley, WV, to help take care of his mother who had just returned home from being in John Hopkins Hospital for four months after going through many surgeries. He said he never thought he would end up in this place, especially to live! Thomas finally found a Church home, St. Paul Baptist Temple, where he loved singing in the Men’s Chorus. One of his favorite songs was, “Cooling Water.” When he got to the point that he couldn’t stand unassisted due to leg problems he would lean on his cane or stand holding on to the podium over by the door with his microphone proudly in his hand bellowing out that bass voice of his. Being a part of that group was one of his favorite things. He loved God, Family and sports.

Thomas was also a part-time caregiver to his grandmother, Mrs. Julia Reed, who preceded him in death.

Other than his parents and grandparents, he is also preceded in death by his brothers, James Thomas Easley and William Easley and middle sister, Kathleen Wildmon.

Thomas spent his last 3 years in Genesis Pine Lodge Rehabilitation and Nursing Center after his health prevented him from returning to his home on Rice St. Beckley. While in Pine Lodge, he befriended people that also became his family.

He loved going to Bible Services at the center, when Heart of God Ministries Mission would come each week for services. If you called him during that time, he didn’t mind telling you with excitement in his voice “Hey, I’m going to Bible Study, I’ll call you later!” He loved worshiping God. He also loved playing bingo! Don’t call him during that time either! Thomas was always a cheerful person. He always found a way to make you laugh no matter the circumstances.

Thomas leaves to cherish his memory two sons, Victor (Theresa) Easley of Tulsa, OK and Elharsh (Darlene) Easley of Hillsborough, NJ; two brothers, David (Tina) Easley and Howard (Gail) Easley, both of Baltimore, MD; four sisters, Mrs Alberta Hart of Washington, D.C.., Mrs. Carol Robertson of Baltimore, MD, Mrs. Verna (Norman) Jackson of Raleigh, WV and Mrs. Sheral Manns of Beckley, WV; one sister-in-love, Cheryle Easley of Tulsa, OK; two stepchildren, Sharon McDaniel of Tulsa, OK and Cecil McDaniel of Dallas, TX; three aunts, Nannie Haskins of Cleveland, OH, Brenda (Harrison) Randall of Baltimore, MD and Vickie Tyler of FL; 11 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews that loved him dearly and cherish so many memories of the stories in which he shared with each of them about his life.

Thomas was a man that didn’t play when it came to his family, especially the females, ask any man that shares a part of their life with one of them. He always had a stern word of advice for them.

Last but not least we would like to acknowledge three dedicated friends and caregivers while he resided at home, Adrian Hopkins and Paula Hopkins, both of Beckley, WV. Also, a young lady he said he has known since she was born, his next-door neighbor, Imani Hairston of Beckley, WV. I remember one day I took him to the store and when we returned home and unloaded the car and ready to enter the house he didn’t have his keys. Who did he call from next door, Imani. She came right over and he held her upon his shoulder to climb through a window and unlock
the door for us to get in the house. Thank you, Imani, for your help, your kindness was not forgotten. Even while in the rehab facility, he always asked about her and talked about how intelligent she is. She was like a daughter to him.

Rest on Thomas, you fought a good fight. You never gave up on God. You accepted life’s conditions; you kept the Faith. You said so many times that “when God gets ready to take me, I’m ready to go! I’ll kiss this ole world goodbye and would blow a kiss to the sky. Farewell Thomas, we’ll see you later. Love your Family

Funeral service will be 12.00PM Saturday, February 22, 2025 at St. Paul Baptist Temple 129 Rice St. Beckley with Rev. Walter M. Leach officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Memorial Park, Beckley.

Friends, while wearing masks and observing social distancing, may visit with the family one-hour prior.

Email condolences to ritchiejohnsonfuneralparlor@gmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.